What to Know: Packers reportedly working out LB Marvin Pierre

The Green Bay Packers are reportedly working out linebacker Marvin Pierre, according to Aaron Wilson.

Pierre went undrafted out of Kent State this past spring. He originally signed with Arizona following the draft and was eventually released. Pierre was then drafted by the Houston Roughnecks in the recent XFL Draft.

Pierre measures in at 6’1” – 222 pounds, and posted an elite Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.03, including a 4.57-second 40-yard dash time and a 40.5 inch vertical.

He spent most of his career snaps over his three years where he saw playing time in the box, but also had 248 snaps along the defensive line and 102 from the slot. He also played 274 on special teams.

In 2022 specifically, Pierre logged 14 pressures, two of which were sacks, and made 85 of his 99 tackle attempts. In coverage, he had the 12th highest PFF grade among the 200 eligible linebackers, allowing 9.4 yards per catch with an interception and three pass breakups. Pierre also ranked 39th in total run stops.

For more on Pierre’s game, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his pre-draft scouting report:

"“Pierre’s special teams production and explosive pro day testing could grab a team’s attention when searching for a potential special teams ace. He doesn’t make tackles consistently enough to trust as an NFL linebacker right now, but he does have pass-rush ability. He’s unlikely to be drafted but could get a look in camp as a free agent signee.”"

De’Vondre Campbell has been sidelined the last few practices with an ankle injury. The good news is that GM Brian Gutekunst mentioned that he didn’t think the injury would be long-term, but it’s also unknown when he will return to the field as well. Perhaps the addition of Pierre would bolster the depth at the position. It hasn’t been reported that the Packers sustained any other injuries at linebacker during their game against New England.

Also at the linebacker position is Quay Walker, who of course, will be starting next to Campbell. Isaiah McDuffie is the third defensive option and has had Eric Wilson playing next to him with the second unit. Undrafted rookie Jimmy Phillips was seeing snaps on defense against New England ahead of Tariq Carpenter, who is making the position change from safety to linebacker, and has very much been experiencing a learning curve in this new role. McDuffie, Wilson, and Carpenter were all core special teams players in 2022.

Given his coverage abilities along with Tarvarius Moore sustaining a knee injury during Saturday’s game, perhaps the Packers would sign him to play that position.

If the Packers were to sign Pierre, a corresponding cut would have to follow or the team could place Tyler Davis, who suffered an ACL injury in Cincinnati, on season-ending IR since the team is currently at the 90 player maximum on their roster.